https://archive.org/details/the-daoist-tradition-louis-komjathy
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Louis Komjathy
Daoist Tradition: An Introduction: An Introduction Paperback – 20 June 2013
by Professor Louis Komjathy (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 14 ratings
Edition: 1st
An introduction to Daoism as a living and lived religion, covering key themes and topics as well as its history.
Using a historical, textual and ethnographical approach, this is the most comprehensive presentation of Daoism to date. In addition to revealing the historical contours and primary concerns of Chinese Daoists and Daoist communities, this provides an account of key themes and defining characteristics of Daoist religiosity - showing it to be a living and lived religion.
A focus on exploring Daoism as a religion and from a comparative religious studies perspective gives the reader a deeper understanding of religious traditions more broadly.
Beginning with an overview of Daoist history, The Daoist Tradition then covers key elements of Daoist worldviews such as cosmology, virtue, and morality.
This is followed by coverage of major Daoist practices, moving ontothe importance of place and sacred sites as well as representative examples of material culture in Daoism. It concludes with an overview of Daoism in the modern world.The Daoist Tradition- An Introduction includes a historical timeline, a map of China, 20 images, a glossary, text boxes, suggested reading and chapter summaries. A companion website provides both student and lecturer resources.
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Louis Komjathy has composed a comprehensive description of Daoism which combines an abundance of factual information with fresh insights and innovative concepts ... [His] book, based on solid scholarship and personal engagement with the Daoist tradition, is the most comprehensive introduction to Daoism currently available. -- Volker Olles, Humboldt University, Berlin ― Journal of Chinese Religions
Komjathy's book depicts a number of linked but distinct Daoisms, rather than only a single, uniform tradition, by structuring his presentation in terms of both multiple historical periodizations and various overlapping "models of practice and attainment" in which various Daoist practitioners participate across historical periods . . . As a first look at a complex and diverse set of traditions, [Komjathy's] book may be the best of its kind and certainly replaces treatments published prior to the twenty-first century. -- Jeffrey L. Richey, Berea College ― Religious Studies Review
The strength of this book is that Komjathy has immersed himself within the living tradition of Daoism and is able to provide us with detailed accounts of the many factions within the community, the various systems of religious leadership and transmission, the different collections of scripture and the traditional sacred places. It would be difficult to find a more comprehensive account of any of the better known religious traditions. ― Religions of South Asia
Louis Komjathy has written a masterpiece. It is detailed, insightful and authoritative, and is simply the best guide to Daoism that is available today. -- James Miller, Associate Professor of Chinese Religions at Queen’s University, Canada Published On: 2012-11-22
The Daoist Tradition: an Introduction, by Louis Komjathy, offers a clear, unbiased, and comprehensive description of Daoism (Taoism) from its roots in ancient China up to a plethora of modern interpretations, from within as well as outside of the Chinese cultural context. By using a "thematic" approach, scholarly as well as popular sources are treated with objective balance, without favoritism or bias. The "philosophy" vs. "superstition" dichotomy favored by 19h century missionaries and 20h century agnostics clearly does not to represent the Daoist Family inside China. The contemporary world is deeply influenced by Daoism, both within China, as well as throughout the "West" and modern Asia. Highly recommended for the general reader, as well as dedicated scholars. -- Michael Saso, Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii, USA Published On: 2012-12-21
Louis Komjathy has presented us with a comprehensive history of Daoism that demonstrates once and for all that it is a tradition that--while multifarious--contains important themes, ideas, and practices that demonstrate a continuous development from the classical period to the modern world. Finally, a completely integrated history of Daoism that breaks the half century hegemony of the outmoded scholarly view that this tradition is deeply bifurcated, a religion that completely departs from the texts it claims as its foundations. -- Harold Roth, Professor of Religious Studies at Brown University, USA Published On: 2013-01-28
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$62.99 RRP $69.99 Website price saving $7.00 (10%)
$56.25 Booktopia paperback 400 pages
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Komjathy. Daoist Tradition:
An Introduction 2013
by Louis Komjathy
by Louis Komjathy
Table of Contents
Part 1: Historical Overview
1. Approaching Daoism
2. The Daoist Tradition
Part 2: The Daoist Worldview
3. Ways to Affiliation
4. Community and Social Organization
5. Informing Views and Foundational Concerns
6. Cosmogony, Cosmology, and Theology
7. Virtue, Ethics and Conduct Guidelines
Part 3: Daoist Practice
8. Dietetics
9. Health and Longevity Practice
10. Meditation
11. Scriptures and Scripture Study
12. Ritual
Part 4: Place, Sacred Space and Material Culture
13. Temples and Sacred Sites
14. Material Culture
Part 5: Daoism in the Modern World
15. Daoism in the Modern World
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Product details
Published 20 Jun 2013
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 400 [?]
ISBN 9781441168733
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic
Illustrations 25
Dimensions 244 x 169 mm
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing
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Product description
Review
Product description
Review
Louis Komjathy has composed a comprehensive description of Daoism which combines an abundance of factual information with fresh insights and innovative concepts ... [His] book, based on solid scholarship and personal engagement with the Daoist tradition, is the most comprehensive introduction to Daoism currently available. -- Volker Olles, Humboldt University, Berlin ― Journal of Chinese Religions
Komjathy's book depicts a number of linked but distinct Daoisms, rather than only a single, uniform tradition, by structuring his presentation in terms of both multiple historical periodizations and various overlapping "models of practice and attainment" in which various Daoist practitioners participate across historical periods . . . As a first look at a complex and diverse set of traditions, [Komjathy's] book may be the best of its kind and certainly replaces treatments published prior to the twenty-first century. -- Jeffrey L. Richey, Berea College ― Religious Studies Review
The strength of this book is that Komjathy has immersed himself within the living tradition of Daoism and is able to provide us with detailed accounts of the many factions within the community, the various systems of religious leadership and transmission, the different collections of scripture and the traditional sacred places. It would be difficult to find a more comprehensive account of any of the better known religious traditions. ― Religions of South Asia
Louis Komjathy has written a masterpiece. It is detailed, insightful and authoritative, and is simply the best guide to Daoism that is available today. -- James Miller, Associate Professor of Chinese Religions at Queen’s University, Canada Published On: 2012-11-22
The Daoist Tradition: an Introduction, by Louis Komjathy, offers a clear, unbiased, and comprehensive description of Daoism (Taoism) from its roots in ancient China up to a plethora of modern interpretations, from within as well as outside of the Chinese cultural context. By using a "thematic" approach, scholarly as well as popular sources are treated with objective balance, without favoritism or bias. The "philosophy" vs. "superstition" dichotomy favored by 19h century missionaries and 20h century agnostics clearly does not to represent the Daoist Family inside China. The contemporary world is deeply influenced by Daoism, both within China, as well as throughout the "West" and modern Asia. Highly recommended for the general reader, as well as dedicated scholars. -- Michael Saso, Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii, USA Published On: 2012-12-21
Louis Komjathy has presented us with a comprehensive history of Daoism that demonstrates once and for all that it is a tradition that--while multifarious--contains important themes, ideas, and practices that demonstrate a continuous development from the classical period to the modern world. Finally, a completely integrated history of Daoism that breaks the half century hegemony of the outmoded scholarly view that this tradition is deeply bifurcated, a religion that completely departs from the texts it claims as its foundations. -- Harold Roth, Professor of Religious Studies at Brown University, USA Published On: 2013-01-28
Book Description
An introduction to Daoism as a living and lived religion, covering key themes and topics as well as its history.
About the Author
Louis Komjathy is Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego, USA. He also serves as Founding Co-Chair of the Daoist Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion and as Founding Co-Director of the Center for Daoist Studies.
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Product details
Publisher : BLM ACADEMIC UK; 1st edition (20 June 2013)
Language : English
Paperback : 288 pages vs 607 pages Intenet archive
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Louis Komjathy
Louis Komjathy 康思奇 (Ph.D., Religious Studies; Boston University) is a leading independent scholar-educator, outsider-scholar, and translator (www.louiskomjathy.org/www.louiskomjathy.com). He is Director, Chongxuan 重玄 Chair, and Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence at the Center for Daoist Studies 道學中心, the education and research branch of the Daoist Foundation 道教基金會 (www.daoistfoundation.org).
An introduction to Daoism as a living and lived religion, covering key themes and topics as well as its history.
About the Author
Louis Komjathy is Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego, USA. He also serves as Founding Co-Chair of the Daoist Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion and as Founding Co-Director of the Center for Daoist Studies.
Read less
Product details
Publisher : BLM ACADEMIC UK; 1st edition (20 June 2013)
Language : English
Paperback : 288 pages vs 607 pages Intenet archive
Follow
Louis Komjathy
Louis Komjathy 康思奇 (Ph.D., Religious Studies; Boston University) is a leading independent scholar-educator, outsider-scholar, and translator (www.louiskomjathy.org/www.louiskomjathy.com). He is Director, Chongxuan 重玄 Chair, and Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence at the Center for Daoist Studies 道學中心, the education and research branch of the Daoist Foundation 道教基金會 (www.daoistfoundation.org).
He also is founding Co-chair of the Daoist Studies Unit (2004-2010) and of the Contemplative Studies Unit (2010-2016) in the American Academy of Religion, and project manager and editor-in-chief of the Daoist Translation Committee 道教翻譯學會.
He researches and has published extensively in Animal Studies, Contemplative Studies, Daoist Studies, and Religious Studies, with specific interests in contemplative practice, embodiment, and mystical experience.
In addition to twelve books to date, he has contributed chapters to
- _Meditation and the Classroom: Contemplative Pedagogy for Religious Studies_ (2011),
- _Perceiving the Divine through the Human Body: Mystical Sensuality_ (2011),
- _The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Chinese Religions_ (2012),
- _The Oxford Handbook of Religious Conversion_ (2014),
- _Religion: A Next-Generation Handbook for Its Robust Study_ (2016),
- _Teaching Interreligious Encounters_ (2017),
- _Ineffability: An Exercise in Comparative Philosophy of Religion_ (2017), _Transformational Embodiment in Asian Religions: Subtle Bodies, Spatial Bodies_ (2020),
- _A Companion to World Literature_ (2020),
- _Routledge Handbook of Yoga and Meditation Studies_ (2020),
- _Oxford Handbook of Meditation_ (2022),
- _Buddhism and Daoism on the Holy Mountains of China_ (2022),
- _A Companion to Comparative Theology_ (2022), and
- _The Routledge Handbook of Religion and the Body_ (2023),
among others.
His current work explores cross-cultural practices and perennial questions related to contemplative awareness, embodied aliveness, and beyond-states.
He lives in semi-seclusion on the Northshore of Chicago, Illinois.
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From other countries
An File Dubh
5.0 out of 5 stars Will Become a Standard Text, with a Clear Argument
Reviewed in the United States on 17 December 2016
Verified Purchase
This is a very good overview of the multifarious strands of Daoism, historically and into the present moment. Komjathy has a particular argument here, in which he emphasizes the traditional and ritual aspects of Daoism in contrast to what he asserts is a false dichotomy between between "religious" and "philosophical"
Daoism. In this, he is in line with (indeed he is at the forefront of) contemporary scholarly Daoist Studies. At times, though, this leads to some contradictions. The "philosophical" vs. "religious" divide may be gone, but in its place Komjathy refers to "classical Daoism" and then early/later,/contemporary "organized" Daoism --- but the differences seem largely the same to me.
While Komjathy vaunts Daoist orders and monasteries (he is an ordained Quanzhen priest) and traditional Chinese culture, he acknowledges numerous other ways of coming to the Dao. He (in fairness, and rather understandably) attacks "personal spirituality" and certain "New Age" translations of Daoist texts as "intellectual and spiritual colonialism," but on the other hand highlights the paucity of resources and scholarly translations in the West, and only glancingly refers to China's own colonial impulses (for example in regard to Daoism among the Yao people). This is not to mention the fact that some of the classical Daoist texts provide a method for apophatic meditation that can work on an individual level without the need for all the apparatus and hierarchy that Komjathy (eruditely and engagingly) explores throughout.
I certainly don't mean to diminish anything that the author provides here. I found this book extremely interesting -- in fact, for what will probably often be employed as a textbook, it was a page-turner! -- and it more than rounded out my knowledge of Daoist history and practice. This is simply to say that, perhaps inevitably, given the multifariousness of Daoism itself historically, contradictions are unavoidable, which the author himself at times acknowledges.
There are a handful of typos, and occasionally redundant wording/phrasing. (On the other hand, sometimes the book's repetition is effective, as it re-emphasizes key concepts.) Despite these minor criticisms, this is an excellent history and delineation/definition of key Daoist concepts -- I would guess probably destined to become a standard in the field of religious studies, but also eminently readable and engaging for anyone. To be clear, I laud Komjathy for having a particular point of view; it would be boring if he didn't. As it is, there is much to engage, discuss, and even argue with.
14 people found this helpful
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Luis Miguel
38 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2023
An excellent book. It addresses Taoism as a religion with a long tradition initiated by small lineages and communities interested in harmonization with universal law (道 dào), virtuous conduct according to said law (德 dé) and spiritual and bodily refinement to return to its original emptiness. .
This would be classical or "philosophical" Taoism.
From there, he analyzes in each chapter specific aspects of the Taoist tradition —its worldview, its diet, its ethics, its monastic system, etc.— in an evolutionary and historical way; from its origins to its present form. There is also an initial chapter focused on the history of Taoism and another on contemporary globalized Taoism. The author knows classical Chinese, Chinese religion and culture very well. It is clear in its exposition and rigorous in spirit, without being arid. Totally recommended.
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Arthur Rosenfeld
Author
16 books25 followers
October 29, 2015
Of the academic treatises available on the subject, this is the most forthrightly organized and readable. I don't concur with all Professor Komjathy's conclusions, but I admire the work.
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